CHRONIC FATIGUE SYNDROME CFS / ME

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a complex disease that is characterized by extreme fatigue, which can not be explained by an underlying medical condition. The fatigue may worsen with physical or mental activity, but does not improve with rest.

The cause of chronic fatigue syndrome is unknown, although there are many theories about it – ranging from viral infections to psychological stress. Some experts believe that chronic fatigue syndrome is caused by a combination of factors.

There is no single study alone that can confirm the diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome. It may need a variety of medical tests to rule out other health problems with similar symptoms. The treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome focuses on symptom relief.

Myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) indicates inflammation in the brains and spinal cord associated with muscle pain.. It is a chronic disease and erratic of course.

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is the name of a diagnosis, which is wrongly used for ME when people have a longer time are severely fatigued no clear apparent reason. In many diseases, chronic fatigue one of the symptoms, such as cancer, AIDS, MS and other autoimmune diseases. Also in ME. There is further medical research is required to determine whether it is ME or another condition that causes similar symptoms.

ME of CVS?

ME (myalgic encephalomyelitis) is the name applied by patients and patient. Scientists are not happy with this name because the name refers to an inflammation of the nerve tissue for which no evidence has been found. They use the term Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). The ME-CFS Foundation talks about ME / CFS.

Directly to:

symptoms

causes

risk Factors

complications

Investigations and diagnosis

Treatments and drugs

symptoms

Chronic fatigue syndrome has eight official symptoms, plus the main symptoms of the disease give his name:
• Fatigue
• Loss of memory or concentration
• Sore throat
• Enlarged lymph nodes in the neck or armpits
• Unexplained muscle pain
• Pain from one joint to the other moved, without swelling or redness
• Headache of a new type, pattern or severity
• unrefreshing sleep
• Extreme exhaustion lasting more than 24 hours after physical or mental exertion

When visiting a doctor

Fatigue can be a symptom of many diseases, including infections and mental disorders. Generally it is advisable to visit a doctor if you experience persistent or excessive fatigue.

causes

Scientists do not know exactly what exactly is the cause of chronic fatigue syndrome. It can be a combination of factors that will affect people who are born with a predisposition to the disease.
Some of the factors examined include:
• Viral infections. Because some people develop chronic fatigue syndrome after a viral infection, researchers question whether some viruses cause the disease possible.
• Suspicious viruses are, among others, Epstein-Barr virus, human herpes virus 6, and mouse leukemia virus. There has not found a conclusive link.
• Problems with the immune system. The immune system of people with chronic fatigue syndrome seems somewhat compromised, but it is unclear whether this weakness is enough to cause the disease effectively.
• Hormonal fluctuations. People with chronic fatigue syndrome experience some abnormal blood levels of hormones in the hypothalamus, pituitary and adrenal glands. But the importance of these abnormalities is unknown.

risk Factors

Factors that may increase the risk of chronic fatigue syndrome include:
• Age. Chronic fatigue syndrome can occur at any age but is most common in people between 40 and 50 years old.
• Sex. Women are diagnosed with chronic fatigue more often than men, but it may be that women are simply more likely to report their symptoms to their GP.
• Stress. Difficulties with stress may contribute to the development of chronic fatigue syndrome.

complications

Preparing for your appointment

If you have signs and symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome, you probably make an appointment to see your doctor. It can be difficult to get all information provided during an appointment to absorb, so it may be helpful to have a friend to family member with you at that time. If a second person to hear the same information given, this may come in the future only if you missed something or forgot.

What you can do

Before you visit your doctor, you might consider writing the following:
• Your symptoms. Be thorough in here. Although it is tired most affected, other symptoms – such as memory problems or headaches – are also important to share with your doctor.
• Important personal information. Recent changes or major stressors play a very real role in your life in your physical wellbeing.
• Health information. Write down whether you are being treated for any other conditions, and include the names of the medications, vitamins or supplements that you use regularly.
• Ask your doctor. By pre-compiling a list of questions is easier to discuss everything during the appointment.
For chronic fatigue, you can ask some basic questions to your doctor, including:
• What are the possible causes for my symptoms or condition?
• What tests do you recommend?
• If these studies can not determine the cause of my symptoms, what additional tests I might have needed?
• On what basis do you make the diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome?
• Are there any treatments or changes to my lifestyle now could help me with my symptoms?
• If you have printed materials that I could take? What websites do you recommend?
• To what level of activity I should aim at finding a diagnosis?
• You also Raadt mental health care?
Feel free to other questions that might arise in your mind set during the meeting.

What to expect from your doctor

Your doctor will probably ask a number of questions:
• What are the symptoms and when they started?
• Is there anything that improves or worsens your symptoms?
• Do you have memory or concentration problems?
• Do you have trouble sleeping?
• How often do you feel depressed or anxious?
• To what extent reduce the symptoms function to your ability? Did you for example ever miss school or work because of the symptoms?
• What treatments have you tried so far for this condition? This worked?

Investigations and diagnosis

There is no single study alone that can confirm the diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome. This is because the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome can mimic lots of health problems; you’ll need some patience to await the diagnosis.
Your doctor should exclude a number of other illnesses before he can make the diagnosis for chronic fatigue syndrome. These may include:
• Sleep disturbances . Chronic fatigue can be caused by sleep disorders. A sleep study can determine if your peace is disturbed by disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea , restless legs syndrome and insomnia .
• Medical problems. Fatigue is a common symptom of various medical conditions, such as anemia, diabetes and underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism). Laboratory tests to check your blood for the presence of some of the most suspect problems.
• Mental health. Fatigue is also a symptom of some mental problems such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. A mentor can help determine if one of these problems is the cause of your fatigue.

diagnostic criteria

To meet the diagnostic criteria for chronic fatigue syndrome, you must have experienced unexplained fatigue for at least six months, along with at least four of the following signs and symptoms:
• Loss of memory or concentration
• Sore throat
• Enlarged lymph nodes in the neck or armpits
• Unexplained muscle pain
• Pain from one joint to another move, without swelling or redness
• Headache of a new type, pattern or severity
• unrefreshing sleep
• Extreme exhaustion more than 24 hours lasts after physical or mental exertion

Treatments and drugs

Treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome focuses on symptom relief.

Medicines

Because chronic fatigue syndrome affects people in different ways, the treatment will be tailored to your specific symptoms. Symptom relief may include the following medicines:
• Antidepressants. Many people with chronic fatigue syndrome are also depressed. The treatment of your depression can make it easier to deal with the problems associated with chronic fatigue syndrome. Low doses of certain antidepressants may also help improve sleep and to relieve pain.
• Sleeping pills. If home measures such as avoiding caffeine does not help for better sleep, your doctor may prescribe you sleeping pills.

Therapy

The most effective treatment for chronic fatigue syndrome appears to be a two-pronged approach that combines psychological counseling with a mild exercise program.
• Graded exercise. A physical therapist can help determine which types of exercise are best for you. Inactive people often begin with range-of-motion and stretching exercises for just a few minutes a day.
• If you are tired the next day, you do too much. Your strength and endurance will improve as you gradually increase the intensity of your exercises.
• Psychological guidance. Talk with a mentor can help you find out what options you have to deal with the limitations of chronic fatigue syndrome. By gaining more control to your prospects dramatically improve your life.

Lifestyle and home remedies

For chronic fatigue syndrome may help certain self-care means:
• Reduce stress. Develop a plan to avoid overload and emotional stress or limit.
Give yourself time each day to relax. This may mean that you have to learn to say no without feeling guilty.
• Improve your sleep habits. Get up every day the same and go at the same time to go to bed. Limit daytime naps and avoiding caffeine, alcohol and nicotine.
• Own pace. Keep your activity on an equal level. If you do too much on your better days, it may be that you’ll have more bad days.

alternative medicine

There are many alternative therapies promoted for chronic fatigue syndrome. It is difficult to determine whether these therapies actually help, partly because the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome is often linked to the vote and may vary day to day.
Pain associated with chronic fatigue syndrome can be relieved by the following:
• Acupuncture
• Massage
• Yoga or Tai Chi

Handling and support

The experience of chronic fatigue syndrome varies from person to person. However, for many people the symptoms are annoying in the early course of the disease and these then gradually decrease. Emotional support and counseling can help you and your loved ones to cope with the uncertainties and limitations of chronic fatigue syndrome.
It can be therapeutic for you to join a support group and meet other people with chronic fatigue syndrome. Support groups are not for everyone, and it may be that you experience more stress through a support group rather than illumination. Experiment and use your own judgment to determine what is best for you.
Sites with more information about Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME / CFS) are: